QatarEnergy announced on April 23 the successful loading of its first liquefied natural gas (LNG) export cargo from the Golden Pass LNG project located in Sabine Pass, Texas. The project is a joint venture between QatarEnergy and ExxonMobil.
The shipment represents a significant milestone as the project moves toward full commercial and export operations. The inaugural cargo was loaded onto QatarEnergy’s Al-Qaiyyah LNG carrier, which was recently constructed in South Korea and has a capacity of 174,000 cubic meters.
His Excellency Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi, Minister of State for Energy Affairs and President and CEO of QatarEnergy, said: “This is a significant industry milestone that marks a new chapter in QatarEnergy’s global efforts to meet rising LNG demand and ensure reliable supplies to international markets.”
Al-Kaabi also said: “The Golden Pass LNG project is one of the single largest investment decisions in the history of the U.S. LNG sector, affirming QatarEnergy’s position and reputation as a reliable provider and a trusted partner of choice that drives growth and development around the world.” He thanked U.S. authorities, regulators, teams at both companies involved with Golden Pass LNG, as well as ExxonMobil for their roles in delivering this energy project.
Golden Pass LNG is owned by QatarEnergy with a 70% stake while ExxonMobil holds 30%. In February 2019, both partners committed over $10 billion to develop this facility. Seventy percent of its annual production capacity—18 million tons per annum—will be managed by QatarEnergy Trading to enhance its global portfolio.
According to company information provided with this announcement, sustained liquefaction operations were achieved at Golden Pass on March 30 with production beginning from its first train out of three planned units.
